Someone ought to tell Alan Pardew that the cups are not a priority for Newcastle United this season. The club’s supporters’ trust recently revealed details of a meeting with the St James’ Park hierarchy that stated the board’s main aim this season was a top-ten finish in the Barclays Premier League. Any perceived necessity to end the five-decade wait for a domestic cup lags somewhat behind in the wishlist.

The board’s ambition does not seem to have permeated through to the team, who secured their place in the last 16 of the Capital One Cup. It arrived at the expense of Leeds United, who provided stern opposition.

Given the sweeping changes made by several top-flight clubs for this competition, a relatively strong Newcastle line-up responded…